Semifinal field complete as U-17 and U-18 age groups complete quarterfinals at the Region III Championships

GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 19, 2012) –On Tuesday at the US Youth Soccer RegionIII Championships presented by National Guard, after enjoying a day of rest yesterday, the Under-17 and Under-18age groups were back in action to round out the semifinalfield. Another set of teams have inched closer raising aregional trophy and vying for the coveted US Youth Soccer National Championship.

In U-18 boys’ quarterfinal play, defending RegionIII Champs Florida Rush (FL) needed overtime beat SSA Central Elite 94 (GA) to advance to the semifinals. Florida Rush took the lead just before half, but SSA’s Coleman Parks leveled the game at one in the 78th. Andrew Bruce scored the game winner in the second overtime period for Rush.

A sound tactical game lifted AYSES Gold (TX-N) to a 1-0 victory over BRSC 94 Black (LA). For the first time all week, AYSES kept a shutout, led by a strong defensive effort. Ramon Gallegos scored the game winner in the 28th.

After 72 minutes of scoreless soccer between 93 CUFC Charlotte United Gold (NC) and Dallas Texans Red (TX-N), Jacob Kennedy played the hero as he struck for CUFC in the 72nd minute. His goal proved the difference on the day as CUFC advanced to the semis on the 1-0 score line.

It’s been an impressive individual year for Cristian Mata of TSCH 94 Earle (OK) who was recently named Gatorade player of the year, and today his performance was equal to the accolades. After a scoreless first half with FC Alliance 94 Black (TN), Mata struck twice in the second frame to lift TSCH to a 2-0 victory.

In the U-17 girls group, CESA 94 Premier (SC) triumphed over AHFC 95 (TX-S), 2-0. Meaghan Carrigan began the scoring with a goal in the 30th minute, and Chelsea Drennan added an insurance goal in the 71st. This team now joins the U-16 CESA girl’s team representing the club in the semifinals.

Sting 95 (TX-N) inched out a win over CFK 95 Black (FL) by a score of 1-0. After heading into halftime locked at zeroes, Vanessa Mendoza scored the game winner in the 47th minute. Prior to today’s quarterfinal match, CFK had given up only one goal all tournament. One was enough for Sting who now move on to the semis.

Brandon FC Flames (FL) were first on the scoreboard when they took on 94 CASL Elite (NC). Caroline Evers scored twice for Brandon FC, once in the 40th and again in the 58th minute. CASL would get one back in the 70th on a Melanie Priestley goal, but Florida held on for the 201 victory.

94 NC Fusion Elite (NC) continued its shutout streak on the week as they battled 95 Louisiana Fire Red (LA) to a nil-nil draw through regulation and overtime. With confidence, Kelsi Peters stepped up and was the fifth of five shooters to net the spot kick and launched her team to the semifinals.

Tuesday Quarterfinal Scores:

Group

Rep

Away

Score

Rep

Home

Score

Under-17 Girls

TX-S

AHFC 95G

0

SC

CESA 94 Premier

2

Under-17 Girls

TX-N

STING 95

1

FL

CFK 95 Black

0

Under-17 Girls

LA

95 Louisiana Fire Red

0

NC

94 NC Fusion Elite

1

Under-17 Girls

FL

Brandon FC Flames - Blue

2

NC

94 CASL Elite Ladies

1

Under-17 Boys

TX-S

Eclipse Premier 95

1

TX-S

AHFC 95

2

Under-17 Boys

AL

Steamers 95 Black

1

FL

Tampa Bay United Premier 94

0

Under-17 Boys

TX-N

Solar Chelsea 95

1

GA

Concorde Fire Elite

0

Under-17 Boys

AR

AZTECAS 95 BOYS

0

FL

Jacksonville United 94/95

5

Under-18 Girls

SC

CESA 93 Premier

1

OK

OFC 94

2

Under-18 Girls

GA

95 Concorde Fire South Elite

0

GA

NASA 12 Elite II

1

Under-18 Girls

NC

93 NCSF Elite

1

TX-S

AHFC 94

3

Under-18 Girls

TX-S

Challenge 94 South Red

0

TN

Brentwood 94 Premier

3

Under-18 Boys

GA

SSA Central Elite 94

1

FL

Florida Rush Nike

2

Under-18 Boys

TX-N

AYSES Gold

1

LA

BRSC 94 Black

0

Under-18 Boys

NC

93 CUFC Charlotte United Gold

1

TX-N

Dallas Texans Red

0

Under-18 Boys

TN

FC Alliance 94 Black

0

OK

TSCH 94 Earle

2

The top 200 US Youth Soccer boys and girls teams from the 12 State Associations that make up US Youth Soccer RegionIII will compete for the 2012 regional title. Quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be played June 18-21 at MeSA Soccer Complex.

The US Youth Soccer National Championships will consist of US Youth Soccer Regional Champions in the Under-14 through Under-19 Boys and Girls age groups as well as the US Youth Soccer National League qualifiers in the Under-15 through Under-17 Boys and Girls age groups to complete the field of 60 teams.